Pune Feb 18 PTI Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Patil on Friday targeted Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and sought to known why he recently raked up the months-old issue of bungalows allegedly owned by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackerays wife in a village in Raigad districtPatil said question arises whether Raut a Rajya Sabha MP did so at someones behest to weaken the foundation of Matoshree the private residence of Thackeray in Mumbais suburb of BandraSanjay Rauts motive behind raking up the months-old issue of 19 bungalows in Korlai village in Raigad district looks doubtful By raking up the issue the question remains whether he is trying to weaken Matoshree It seems all this is being done at someones direction said the former state ministerBJP leader Kirit Somaiya had on Wednesday alleged that Raut during a recent press conference deliberately referred to the old controversy over bungalows in Korlai village as he bore a grudge against the Chief Minister and his family members for not backing him when certain allegations were raised against himThe Sena MP has questioned the very existence of bungalows repeatedly mentioned by SomaiyaOn Tuesday Raut had launched a personal attack against Somaiya who has been raising a slew of allegations against leaders of the Shiv Sena and those of other parties in the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in the state PTI SPK RSY RSY

Mumbai Jan 28 PTI A day after the Maharashtra cabinet allowed supermarkets and shops to sell wine with some conditions Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Friday said those opposing this decision are anti-farmer The state government had on Thursday said supermarkets and shops measuring 1000 square feet and above can sell wine by paying a licence fee though norms in place for liquor sale like minimum distance from schools and places of worship as well as local prohibition laws will have to be followed I do not know whether wine is considered liquor but it is made from farm produce With its sale farmers could earn more Those who are opposing it are in fact anti-farmer Raut told reporters Is there a liquor ban in the country Wine is produced from a range of fruits such as grapes guava chikoo etc It the state governments decision will give farmers higher returns and help in elevating their economic status The critics of this decision should understand the economics behind it he added He said the BJP-led Union government must also take such decisions courageously to help farmers PTI ND BNM BNM BNM